Hayley Westenra
Biography
It was during the performance of a primary school Christmas play that New Zealanders Jill and Gerald Westenra first witnessed their daughter Hayley's extraordinary talent.
Beginning with the violin, Hayley was soon also taking piano and recorder tuition and had learnt to read music. A passion for music theatre soon followed, and by the age of eleven she had appeared in over 40 stage productions, sung on TV shows and performed in major concerts.
Music
Although still very young when compared to most other performers Hayley has already sung with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Russell Watson and Bryn Terfel at the Faenol Festival in Wales.
Her debut international album 'Pure', a CD of classical, light pop, and traditional Maori songs received critical acclaim and propelled her to the top of the New Zealand and Australian pop charts. To date 'Pure' has sold over two million copies worldwide and has made made Hayley the best-selling artist in her country's history.
Hayley has performed a special concert for Prime Minister Tony Blair, President George Bush and Her Majesty The Queen and has supported pop-opera quartet Il Divo on their worldwide tour. One of her more recent recordings is soon to feature in the movie 'The Merchant of Venice'.
In 2008, Hayley became the first ambassador for Classic FM's charity, Music Makers . Hayley is also the youngest ever ambassador for UNICEF.
Hayley Westenra on Classic FM
Listen to Hayley Westenra on the Classic FM Magazine Show - October 2008
Listen to Hayley Westenra talking to Classic FM in January 2008.
Discography
2008 - River of Dreams
2007 - Treasure
Celtic Woman: A New Journey
Amazing Grace - The Best of Hayley Westenra (Japan)
Prayer (Japan)
2006 - Crystal (Japan)
2005 - Odyssey
Live From New Zealand
2004 - Wuthering Heights (Japan)
2003 - Pure
2001 - Hayley Westenra (New Zealand)
My Gift to You A Christmas Music CD (New Zealand)
2000 - Walking in the Air (New Zealand demo)
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Hayley Westenra on Paradiso and rugbyAs she releases her new album Paradiso, we find out about Hayley Westenra's collaboration with film composer Ennio Morricone.
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Hayley Westenra joins Britain's Got TalentThe Kiwi soprano has revealed she'll be recording 'The Prayer' with Britain's Got Talent winner Jai McDowall
